Genesis 15:6 NKJV “And he believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.”
Matthew 5:6 NKJV “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.”
Matthew 6:33 AMP “But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also.”
Deuteronomy 28:1-3 NKJV “Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the Lord your God will set you high above all nations of the earth. 2 And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the Lord your God: 3 “Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the country.”
Let these Scriptures set the foundation this month! The month of Shevat (January 11, 2024 – February 9, 2024) is a month to meditate specifically on the righteousness of God, our obedience, and the blessings that follow (and the lack thereof if we don’t walk in the light of the Word).
Righteousness is based on our response to God. Abraham believed God, and it was counted as righteous. The belief he displayed, however, was accompanied by action. Some of us have been confused to think that because of the righteousness of Yeshua, our works are meaningless. This notion cannot be true because of Yeshua’s own words in Matthew 5:14-16 NKJV “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” God is glorified through our good works.
God’s grace doesn’t just secure our spot in eternity; it changes us to the point that we want to make a positive impact on those around us, and we see in the life of the Patriarchs that blessing follows obedience.
This is also a month that we need to walk in trust to the level that we do not question God. In one of this month’s Torah Portions, we see Moses questioning God’s justice, but this was God’s reply: And God spoke to Moses and said to him: “I am the Lord. 3 I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, as God Almighty, but by My name Lord I was not known to them. 4 I have also established My covenant with them, to give them the land of Canaan, the land of their pilgrimage, in which they were strangers. 5 And I have also heard the groaning of the children of Israel whom the Egyptians keep in bondage, and I have remembered My covenant.” (Exodus 6:2-5 NKJV).
A Key to growing our relationship with God is trusting His righteousness, justice, goodness, and plan. Settle yourself in faith this month; let gratitude come from your heart and out of your mouth. Let gratitude be evidenced in your giving this month! Bless Israel this month in your prayers and your giving. It is the new month for trees in Israel – thank God for the land of Israel, His promises, and protection over His people. Pray for the return of the hostages and the end of the war in Israel.
Expect blessings this month; take time right now to say aloud, “Father, I thank you for the blessings you have for me this month! Establish me in righteousness (read Psalm 1 out loud)”.
Good things are coming this month – Even in difficulty and uncertainty, say, I am blessed, and I will be a blessing!
For more information on the Hebrew Calendar, visit chabad.org and consult A Time to Advance: Understanding the Significance of the Hebrew Tribes and Months by Chuck D. Pierce with Robert and Linda Heidler.
Casey D. Bell 
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